Leptodactylus laticeps is an anuran endemic to the dry forests of the South American Great Chaco, occurring in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Despite its large size and striking coloration pattern, it stands out as one of the least understood species in the region, particularly concerning reproductive biology and natural history. To fill these gaps, we studied the reproductive biology of L. laticeps in El Impenetrable region (Chaco Province, Argentina). During three breeding seasons (2021–2023), we used a combination of monitoring techniques, including visual and auditory surveys and camera traps, to describe the calling behavior and microhabitat, mating, oviposition site, nest, external morphology, and internal anatomy of the tadpole. Results indicate that calling activity is nocturnal (from dusk to dawn), and males call individually on the ground near caves, which may become completely flooded due to their proximity to temporary ponds. The microhabitats for vocalization and oviposition sites are characterized by moderate shrub and tree cover in forests of Gonopterodendron sarmientoi, Neltuma ruscifolia, and Stetsonia coryne. Males and females were detected entering and using the caves several times, but reproduction was only confirmed twice. The species lays eggs in foam nests in underground chambers of caves, and the nest measures 20 × 16 × 12 cm. The tadpoles are benthic and exotrophic and inhabit lentic water bodies. They largely retain the body and tail morphology characteristic of tadpoles of the L. fuscus group, with a size that falls within the typical range for the group. Most buccal traits are shared with the group, although they exhibit distinctive features in the papillae. Larval musculoskeletal features are similar to other species in the group, whereas the cranial musculature is characterized by an undivided m. hyoangularis and an m. subarcualis rectus I divided into two slips. These findings represent a significant advancement in understanding the natural history of one of the most iconic species of the South American Dry Chaco. Our results provide valuable insights into the broader phylogenetic relationships within the family Leptodactylidae and establish a solid foundation for guiding evidence-based conservation efforts.
Ibáñez, I.A.D., Agostini, M.G., Candioti, M.F.V., Lescano, J.N., Boaglio, G.I. and Baldo, D. 2026. Cave Chronicles: Unveiling the reproductive biology and the tadpole of Leptodactylus laticeps, a vulnerable and endemic species of the Dry Chaco.
 | Florencia Vera Candioti Investigadora Principal CONICET Herpetología |